Acne breakout and scars troubling you? Check out these best Korean skincare for acne to keep those pesky pimples and scars in control!
Skincare Routine for Acne Using Korean Products
Acne is the much-dreaded skin problem most of us face. As teenagers, we are given a promise that acne will disappear once we touch our mid 20’s. But that is rarely the case as most of us have experienced.
| Best Korean Skincare Brand For Acne | Best Korean Skincare For Acne | Best for |
| Benton | Benton ALOE PROPOLIS SOOTHING GEL | Sensitive skin |
| Innisfree | Innisfree Green Tea Pure Cleansing Foam – Best Korean Products For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin | Oily, acne prone skin |
| Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask | Oily, acne prone skin | |
| MISSHA | MISSHA Time Revolution Clear Toner – Best Korean Toner For Acne | Balancing skin’s pH levels |
| Klairs | Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner – Best Korean Toner For Acne With Sensitive Skin Type | Sensitive skin prone to prone |
| Cosrx | COSRX Centella Blemish Cream – Top Korean Products That Fade Acne Scars | Fading acne scars |
| Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch | Reducing pimples | |
| Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – Best Korean Essence For Acne-Prone Skin | Hydration | |
| Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – Best Korean Exfoliator For Acne Prone Skin | Reducing occurrence of breakouts | |
| Heimish | Heimish All Clean Balm – Best Korean Products That Fade Acne Scars | Fades acne scars |
| Dr. Jart+ | Dr. Jart Dermask Micro Jet Clearing Solution Mask Sheet – Best Korean Products For Dry Acne-prone Skin | Dry and acne prone skin |
With acne-prone skin, you moisturise too much and you get breakout, you don’t moisture, you breakout. It’s not just about moisturiser though. Any skincare product you use for acne prone skin – you simply have to be careful. One wrong product and the consequence? All sorts of bad skin reaction including pimples!
Also, no, popping your pimples is NOT the solution!
There are lots of us dealing with acne plus the scars they leave behind, way into our 30’s and sometimes even into our 40’s. Diet, stress, and lifestyle choices might be a major cause but there are ways of dealing with this externally as well through the right skincare products and routines.
The Korean range of skincare products and routines seem to be very effective in healing and preventing acne and leaving us with smooth, glowing skin.
Try this if you are a gua sha fan – oil for gua sha acne.
Let’s check out the best Korean skincare for acne:
Top Picks For Best Korean Skincare For Acne
- Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask – Makes skin clean and smooth
- MISSHA Time Revolution Clear Toner – Decrease in the appearance of blackheads
- COSRX Centella Blemish Cream – fades scars and dark spots
Top Korean Skincare For Acne
How To Choose Korean Skincare Products For Acne-Prone Skin
When it comes to selecting the best Korean skincare products for acne-prone skin, it’s important to arm yourself with the right knowledge. With so many products out there, narrowing in on the perfect items for you can be daunting.
Choose The Right Formula
The first step to understanding which Korean skincare products are best for acne-prone skin is to get acquainted with the various formulations. Korean skincare products come in a variety of forms, like gels, serums, sheet masks, and creams.
Each of these has different benefits, like cleansing, hydrating, and shrinking pores. It’s important to identify which types of Korean skincare products would be most suitable for your skin type and skin condition.
Choose The Right Ingredients
You should also familiarize yourself with the various ingredients used in Korean skincare products. These include medicinal plants like centella asiatica, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and tea tree oil.
It’s also important to recognize which ingredients to avoid if you suffer from acne-prone skin. Ingredients like alcohol, parabens, fragrances, and sulfates can irritate your skin and worsen breakouts.
Hypoallergenic Products
When choosing the best Korean skincare products for acne-prone skin, it’s important to prioritize the key features. First, look for products that are marked as “gentle,” “soothing,” or “hypoallergenic.”
These formulations are specifically formulated to be non-irritating and reduce redness or swelling.
Exfoliation
Some key benefits of Korean skincare products on acne-prone skin include exfoliation, hydration, and brightening. Look for products with natural exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and fruit extracts.
These are generally gentle on the skin and can help reduce pore size, absorb excess sebum, and brighten the complexion.
Hydration
For added hydration, you should look for products enriched with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and light dermocosmetic oils.
These work to replenish the skin’s essential lipids and keep it balanced. If you’re looking for even more skin-care benefits, consider choosing a product formulated with calming and healing ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile extract.
Cleansing Agents
Keep in mind that Korean skincare products formulated for acne-prone skin will generally contain actives such as AHA or BHA, as well as botanical extracts such as green tea, licorice, and centella asiatica. These actives help to reduce inflammation, remove dead skin cells, and clear up existing blemishes.
Lastly, don’t forget to consult with a professional before making your decisions. A trained aesthetican can help you identify which ingredients and formulations are best for your skin type and provide personalized guidance for that extra bit of confidence.
Korean Acne Skincare Routine and Products
Here’s a simple morning Korean skincare routine for you to follow in order to reduce acne breakouts and nourish your skin.
Step 1: Cleansing Oil
If you haven’t already, it’s time for you to jump on the bandwagon of the double cleansing method. This is specially recommended for those with oily and acne prone skin. There’s a common misconception that an oil cleanser is not good for oily, acne prone skin.
Korean oil cleansers formulated for oily skin are light on the skin. It works on the surface of your skin and doesn’t seep in – which means that it can’t clog your pores!
Take some of the oil cleanser on dry hand and start massaging over the dry face (even if you have makeup on). Massage for a couple of minutes and rinse thoroughly.
If you’re not sure which Korean oil cleanser for acne skin is the best – here’s my recommendation – Innisfree Green Tea Hydrating Cleansing Oil.
After this you follow it with a gentle foaming cleanser which brings us to our step 2 of the Korean skincare for acne.
Step 2: Foaming Cleanser
A Korean foaming cleanser is gentle on the skin. Use a foaming cleanser to get rid of any remaining makeup or oil in your face.
The point of double cleansing method is to make sure that your face is completely clean of any impurities before you start layering skincare products.
To use a foaming cleanser, squeeze a dime sized amount of the cleanser on your palm. And massage it into wet skin for a couple of minutes in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Here’s my recommendation of Korean cleanser to include in your Korean skincare for acne – ETUDE HOUSE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
Step 3: Exfoliator (twice in a week)
Exfoliating regularly is good. It keeps your pores clean and skin smooth. This inturn helps your skin absorb your skincare products well.
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and promotes skin regeneration. Exfoliation can help even out skin tone, reduce pigmentation, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. Using an exfoliator in your morning skincare routine will prove to be more beneficial than in the night.
How to use an exfoliator: Take some product in your palm. Gently massage over wet skin (emphasis on gently). Don’t ignore areas like your neck and jawline. Rinse and pat dry.
Here’s my recommendation for an exfoliator to add to your Korean skincare for acne – COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. This is a great product for those with oily, acne prone skin.
Step 4: Toner
The next step in your Korean skincare for acne is to tone your skin. A toner is formulated to balance your skin’s pH levels and get rid of dead skin cells. This helps your skincare products like serum and moisturizer absorb better into the skin.
Use a cotton and soak it with your toner and sweep it across your face gently Wait for a few seconds for it get completely absorbed into your skin.
Here’s my recommendation for Korean toner for acne prone skin – COSRx AHA BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Step 5: Essence
Essence is a concentrated liquid that intensely hydrates your skin. Korean essences are extremely popular and a vital part of the Korean skincare regimen for acne.
Korean essences prepare your skin for the next set of skincare ingredients and makes way for better absorption of the products.
Using an essence is easy. Just apply some of the product on a cotton pad or on your fingers and pat it on your face.
Here’s my recommendation – COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Step 6: Sheet Mask (twice a week)
Acne prone skin can constantly feel irritated and inflamed. Sheet masks are a great way to calm your skin and soothe it. Korean sheet masks for acne prone skin are formulated with targeted ingredients that help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
If you have other skin concerns like pigmentation, wrinkles, etc – you can look for a sheet mask that’s formulated with ingredients that target that particular skin concern.
Check the instructions on the packaging to understand how to use the face sheet mask. Typically, all you have to do is align the face mask to you face and let it sit for some time (this is usually indicated in the packaging soc heck before you apply the mask. It can be anywhere between 10 – 30 minutes).
Remove the mask after you’ve let it sit for the instructed amount of time. Pat your skin so that the remaining essence is absorbed. Don’t rinse your face after this. You can continue with the next step in your skin care routine.
My recommendation for sheet mask to add to your Korean skincare for acne – Celavi Essence Tea Tree Paper Sheet Mask.
Step 7: Serums
Serums are concentrated liquids with active ingredients that penetrate deep into your skin. Serums are formulated with targeted ingredients. So choose a Korean serum depending on what results you want. Some people layer multiple serums to get the desired results.
It’s your choice if you want to do that. Or you can target one skin concern at a time (I recommend this as it’s easier on your skin). If you want to use multiple serums then you can use one serum during your morning skincare routine and a different serum to target a secondary skin issue during your night time skin care routine.
To apply the serum – take one pump of the product on your palm. Massage it gently all over the face. Let it sit for 30 seconds so it’s properly absorbed. You can follow this with your second serum by doing the same.
My recommendation for serum to add in your Korean skincare for acne – Dear, KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
Step 8: Eye Cream
The undereye skin is often ignored during skincare. Your under eye is the most fragile part of your skin. And because it’s so sensitive, it’s more prone to dehydration, wrinkles and fine lines. Eye creams help improve your undereye skin and prevent wrinkles, dark circles, and dehydration.
To apply undereye cream take a little but of the product you ring finger tip. Then, pat the cream on the orbital bone, eyelids, and the temple area. Avoid massaging the cream into your skin as this can make wrinkles worse and cause irritation. Don’t apply it too close to your eye as it can get into your eye which can be dangerous.
You can apply it once in the morning and night. Applying it once a day is also fine.
Here’s my recommendation to add to your Korean skincare for acne – Mizon Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream
Step 9: Moisturizer
Moisturizing is so so important to skin that’s prone to acne. A moisturizer hydrates and locks in moisture so your skin remains plump all day. For acne prone skin, use a light moisturizer that’s hypoallergenic and use ingredients that soothe acne prone skin.
My recommendation for moisturizer to add to your Korean skincare for acne – Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream
Step 10: Sunscreen
Finish your morning skincare routine with a Korean sunscreen formulated for acne prone skin, especially if you’re going to be stepping out. Sunscreen protect you from the UVA and UVB rays that cause premature aging and sunburns. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 – 50 and PA +++ to PA ++++
My recommendation for sunscreen to add to your Korean skincare for acne is – DERMALOGY by NEOGENLAB SUNSCREEN
Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser
A rich lather cleanses skin while maintaining its natural oil and moisture balance, according to Allure Korea beauty editor Minji Kim. Contains patented pore care ingredients that deeply cleanse pores. It then creates extra rich, creamy lather to provide gentle face wash.
Cleansing ingredients derived from nature and salicylic acid provide deep cleansing. As well as deeply cleansing pores and removing fine dust, it has been clinically tested for effectiveness
Pros:
- Suits all skin types
- Rich and creamy lather
- Deeply cleanses pore impurities
Cons:
- Not good for allergy affected skin types
Banila Co Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying Foam Cleanser
The Banila Co Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying Foam Cleanser comes from the makers of Korea’s best-selling cleansing balm.
This gentle but effective face wash sweeps dead skin cells away, keeping pores free and skin clear by containing AHAs, BHAs, and LHAs that Allure Korea editors recommend.
Pros
- Deep cleanser to the skin
- Totally unclogs pores
- Effectively reduces irritation
- No big airy bubbles
- Face feels fresh, hydrated
Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Toner
This Allure Korea Best of Beauty Award winner offers a water-like consistency and leaves skin feeling so smooth it’s like silk. It soothes skin while aloe and cica calm irritation while salicylic acid naturally derived from willow bark removes dirt and makeup.
Moreover, it contains redness-reducing niacinamide, a vitamin B3 derivative that helps give skin a plump and luminous appearance and reduce the appearance of large pores.
Pros:
- Good for Sensitive Skin
- Fragrance free
- Very moisturizing
- Also good for oily skin
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
Propolis is the most popular K-beauty ingredient in Joseon Glow Serum. It is a glue-like mixture that bees produce by mixing saliva and beeswax along with botanical exudate.
The Glow Serum addresses acne and calms and heals itching flare-ups as it boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 60% propolis extract offers antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pros:
- Very light serum
- Can be worn under makeup
- Deep moisturizing
- Fragrance free
- Provides luminous look
- Super hydrating
- Doesn’t cause any acne
Cons:
- Not for all skin type
- Reactive towards allergy skin
KLAIRS MIDNIGHT BLUE CALMING CREAM
The next best Korean skincare for acne is the Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream. This cream is formulated with Guaiazulene extracted from camomile oil that has a soothing effect on the skin.
The formula of this cream is extremely gentle on the skin and calms the skin. If your skin is irritated or sunburnt, this is a great cream for you to use. Klairs midnight blue calming cream is the perfect Korean face cream for acne as it reduces the irritation and redness.
Pros:
- Results in healthy and glowy skin
- Effectively calms and controls reddish skin
- Does not cause irritation
- Helps to lighten the redness by soothing
- Reduces bumps on forehead
ACWELL LICORICE PH BALANCING ESSENCE MIST
The next skincare product on our list of best Korean skincare for acne is the ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist.
This Korean face mist for acne prone skin is formulated with licorice water and root extracts, centella asiatica leaf water, bamboo water, and saccharomyces ferment filtrate.
It has a milky texture and the gives out an ultra fine mist that you can evenly spray over your skin.
Why this is one of the best Korean skincare products for acne prone skin is that it soothes inflammation and hydrates the skin.
Pros:
- Great base for makeup application
- For all skin types
- Reduces the appearance of dark spots
- Provides soft and radiant skin
- Also helps in removing stubborn makeup
